Manning gets franchise tag; Owens ready to leave 49ers

DAVE GOLDBERGAP Football Writer

Published Tuesday, February 24, 2004

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning laughs on the sidelines during the AFC team's practice for the 2004 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, in this Feb. 7, 2004 photo. The Indianapolis Colts designated Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning their franchise player Monday, Feb. 23, 2004, a move that will pay him $18.4 million this year unless he agrees to a long-term deal.

AP Photo Unable to reach a long-term deal with Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts designated the NFL's co-MVP their franchise player Monday.

The deal guarantees Manning $18.4 million next season if he remains Indianapolis' franchise player. The Colts hope their quarterback settles for a more salary-cap friendly deal that allows them to sign the defensive players they badly need.

"We're going to get a deal worked out, hopefully, in the next 10 or 11 days," coach Tony Dungy said. "Maybe sooner than that."

San Francisco and New Orleans also designated franchise players Monday, the day before the deadline for teams to apply that tag to protect them from free agency, which begins March 3. The 49ers tagged All-Pro linebacker Julian Peterson and the Saints gave it to defensive end Darren Howard.

The 49ers' action means wide receiver Terrell Owens will likely be elsewhere next season because he didn't get the franchise designation. The four-time Pro Bowler, a problem for coaches Steve Mariucci and Dennis Erickson over the last few years, now can void his contract, The team that signs him will owe San Francisco only a third-round draft pick.

The 49ers also signed running back Kevan Barlow to a five-year contract extension. Barlow won the starting job last season from Garrison Hearst, who is likely to be released if he doesn't take a significant pay cut.

Two of the NFL's top cornerbacks, Charles Woodson of Oakland and Champ Bailey of Washington, also have the franchise designation, guaranteeing they will be paid the average of the five top players at their positions next season.

Green Bay is are discussing a contract that could net left tackle Chad Clifton the highest bonus in team history. Clifton could receive more than the $12 million quarterback Brett Favre got in 1997.

If no agreement comes by today's 3 p.m. deadline, the Packers are expected to place their franchise tag on Clifton, a premier pass-blocker.

As for Manning, his situation is unusual for a star quarterback, most of whom are signed to long-term extensions before they are due to become free agents.

However, the Colts never really got into serious talks with Manning and agent Tom Condon until recently. Manning remained on the six-year deal he signed as the first overall pick in the 1998 draft.

Even with a new contract for Manning, the Colts will have to make cap cuts. Offensive lineman Adam Meadows already has been given permission to explore a new deal and defensive end Chad Bratzke is a likely casualty.

There could be more if the Colts are stuck with Manning's $18.4 million one-year deal -- more than 22 percent of the $80.5 million salary cap for next season.

"There will be significant revisions if we can't get something done," general manager Bill Polian said. "I don't know that I'd call it a complete setback. We're prepared for it."